SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — With two out of 5 of its members North Korean defectors, the Ok-pop group 1VERSE is breaking new floor because it debuts its single album Friday.
The band represents an uncommon convergence of backgrounds: North Korea-born rapper Hyuk and singer Seok be a part of Nathan from Arkansas, Kenny from Los Angeles, and Aito from Japan.
Whereas not the primary Ok-pop act to incorporate North Korean defectors — BE BOYS’ Hak Seong debuted earlier this yr — the range of the group’s members add a uncommon dimension to the style’s rising world range.
The group debuts Friday with their single album “The 1st Verse” beneath Seoul-based label Singing Beetle. Their title monitor “Shattered” options lyrics co-written by Hyuk and Kenny.
From the soccer subject and a manufacturing unit to stardom
“With members from different countries all coming together as 1VERSE, I just thought ‘we can do this regardless of background’ going forward,” stated Aito, the group’s youngest member from Chiba, Japan.
Hyuk, who lived in North Korea’s North Hamgyong Province till age 12, defected to the South in 2013. His journey to Ok-pop stardom started whereas working in a manufacturing unit in South Korea, the place an opportunity encounter with the CEO of a music label ultimately led to weekend rap classes in Seoul.
“I went to university but then things went bad. It was when COVID was pretty severe, and a bad incident happened, so I had no choice but to work at a factory,” he stated.
Initially skeptical, Hyuk thought the invitation to turn out to be a pop star may be a rip-off. He recalled considering: “I actually don’t have anything proper now, even for those who rob me, not even mud would come out.”
After a yr of conferences the place the music govt persistently purchased him meals and inspired his coaching, Hyuk joined the company in late 2021.
Seok’s path was equally unconventional. A former soccer participant who began enjoying at 8 years previous in North Korea, he defected in 2019. He declined to supply extra particulars, citing security considerations.
After arriving in South Korea, he briefly performed for a semi-professional crew earlier than pursuing bodily schooling research. Throughout weekend soccer video games he was approached about an idol coaching program.
“I was starting music for the first time, right? So I started with the mindset that if it doesn’t work out, I can just stop and try something else,” Seok stated.
Restricted publicity to Ok-pop rising up
Each members’ experiences replicate harsh realities they left behind. Hyuk described spending eight to 10 hours every day gathering firewood as a toddler simply to outlive.
“Where I lived, we had to collect firewood just to cook rice and survive day by day — it was essential,” he recalled.
Hyuk did not have a lot entry to music rising up. “Since I lived struggling every day, I lived so busily that I wonder if I even had time to listen to music — I didn’t have that luxury,” he stated.
Seok had some publicity to Ok-pop in North Korea, listening sometimes to f(x)‘s “LA chA TA” and Super Junior songs despite it being illegal in North Korea to listen to South Korean music. “I probably heard K-pop back in elementary school. But I couldn’t hear usually because it was unlawful,” he stated.
Gaining worldwide traction
Specialists and defectors say Ok-pop and different South Korean popular culture merchandise have emerged as a problem to North Korea’s management as they steadily gained recognition among the many public.
North Korean chief Kim Jong Un has intensified campaigns because the pandemic to get rid of South Korean cultural affect.
Nathan, from Arkansas, first encountered Ok-pop by means of his Texas-based cousins who had been longtime followers. “I would kind of just pretend to be a hater, like urgh, K-pop. And then I just so happened to come across EXO’s ‘Growl’ music video on YouTube,” he recalled.
The group’s various backgrounds are mirrored of their coaching, which incorporates programs on world citizenship. “We want to be inclusive of everyone’s history, everyone’s current situations back home,” Kenny defined.
Seok expressed pleasure about connecting with worldwide followers, significantly in America. “Since I came from North Korea, it’s hard to see foreigners there. So I really wanted to see people from other countries,” he stated.
The group has already gained traction on-line. Seok described filming emotional video diaries throughout troublesome early coaching days, which followers responded to with supportive messages.
“I filmed that diary video with somewhat emotional, slightly teary feelings. And I uploaded it to TikTok or YouTube, and fans sent me comforting letters,” he said. “As soon as I saw the first line, tears came out and I was really touched.”
Hyuk acknowledged the eye their North Korean background generates whereas emphasizing the group’s collective id.
“I’m very grateful that people are paying attention to us,” he stated. “I think it’s okay as long as it doesn’t lean too much to one side … it’s not just me but all our members are here too, it’s a journey we’re creating together.”
The group’s debut single album is offered on all main streaming platforms.
